The Fab Cornerhttp://thefabcorner.com
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:42:51 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.22Weekend Brunch: Grand Marnier Infused Creme Brûlée French Toasthttp://thefabcorner.com/weekend-brunch-grand-marnier-infused-creme-brulee-french-toast/
http://thefabcorner.com/weekend-brunch-grand-marnier-infused-creme-brulee-french-toast/#commentsTue, 15 Jul 2014 00:32:03 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1339Greetings! It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to get on here! Last school year was one for the books, and design school has been hectic. Oh yeah! I finally finished getting my single subject credential in English and accepted a new position as a teacher-on-assignment doing curriculum support in ELA much closer to home. No more commuting! Anyhow, more on that to come, but here is one of my favorite recipes for weekend brunch. Hope you all enjoy!

Place bread in casserole dish as tightly packed as possible so the slices can absorb the custard correctly. Whisk all the custard ingredients in a bowl and cover the slices of bread. Top each slice with some orange zest. Place bread in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, flipping the pieces half way. Alternatively, leave the pieces in the fridge overnight; no flipping required.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and place the slices on the sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 30 minutes. Test to see that the pieces are done by inserting a knife into a piece. No custard should drip out.

With about 2 minutes left of baking, pour a good amount (small pile, approx. 3/4 cup) of sugar into a heavy bottomed saucepan, and heat on a medium high flame. Just let the sugar cook until it turns into caramel. Immediately spoon and spread the caramel on top of the French toast. Save some cleanup and let the saucepan soak in hot soapy water immediately.

Top with fresh berries of your choice and enjoy! This is great with some champagne or a mimosa if you’re in the mood!

This post’s clipart provided by Erin Bradley Designs.

Copyright Erin Bradley Designs

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/weekend-brunch-grand-marnier-infused-creme-brulee-french-toast/feed/0#OOTD: Teacher’s Edition Week 6http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-6/
http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-6/#commentsTue, 24 Sep 2013 02:40:35 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1321Has it already been six weeks since the beginning of school? This weekend was a bit crazy, so last week’s outfits are a bit late.

Is it me, or is it starting to really feel like fall? I know yesterday was the first official day, but here in Southern California, we don’t really have a fall season, especially where I work. It’s either oppressively hot or bitterly cold, so I need to start thinking about the few days of fall I get to enjoy, and then beyond into the winter months. Here is a list of what I consider to be fall/winter essentials:

A Truly Warm Coat/Jacket (neutral in color)

A Rain Coat (neutral in color)

A few fun light jackets (try to get colors that go with a variety of clothing- mine are yellow and purple)

A couple of blazers (neutral in color)

Plenty of pants that fit into boots

At least two pairs of boots (warm and cool colors- mine are knee height)

A pair of rain boots (Hunters if you can afford them)

Plenty of warm pullovers and cardigans (the sky’s the limit when it comes to style)

A large stash of scarves (the more variety the better)

Holiday Dresses (1-2 minimum)

Dress for layering

Tights (for under pants and dresses)

If you’re getting your cooler weather wardrobe ready, like me, take stock of what you have, what needs repairing, and what you still need to buy. Here’s my to-buy list:

A truly warm coat (I’m having a horrible time finding one each year)

2-3 new pairs of skinny jeans for my boots (I’d like a natural color, grey, and black)

A few more pullovers and cardigans (I’ll look for these at the outlets- particularly J Crew)

A dress for layering (I think I found a good one at Target- beige and black stripes, only $27!)

Now of course, there are other things I would like to get, if I can. Here is my “want” list. These are not priorities, but it would be really nice if I could get a couple of these items for the upcoming months:

I’m loving this leather trimmed blazer from Anthropologie! Plus, it will go with so many things I already own.

OMG! I can’t explain enough how much I want these flats from Marc Jacobs. Plus, one of my dogs ripped up my old pair of brown flats, so I’m in the market for a new pair. (That’s my reasoning at least).

J Crew has a great selection of printed pants- these are my particular favorite.

These Cole Haan Oxfords are on sale, and you know I love a shoe on sale! Now I need to decide if I want them in mint or taupe. I particularly like that they can be worn without the laces.

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-6/feed/0#OOTD Teacher’s Edition: Week 5http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-5/
http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-5/#commentsSun, 15 Sep 2013 23:50:16 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1293This is the week I’d been looking forward to and dreading; the week I went back to school myself! Juggling work and studies in interior design is difficult, to say the least, so for the next few months, my Tuesday and Thursday outfits will be pulling double-duty as teacher and student wear. What does this mean? Probably more jeans as we go into fall. Comfort is a big deal when you drive 40 minutes to work everyday, and then two hours to school, and then another hour to get home. Yikes!

I have to admit, I have some pretty pricey clothing. I try to save as much as possible by shopping outlets and Target, but the fact is, I love Anthropologie, Kate Spade, and Marc Jacobs! I’ve already written about how I’m able to shop at Anthro so often here, but a big part of how I can shop there on my teaching salary has to do with how I save money in other areas of my life. Here are a few of my tips:

1. I don’t drink at Starbucks. Ever. The only time you’ll see me there is around Christmas time when my students give me gift cards. It is way over priced and I don’t even like coffee. I once knew a teacher that had a $40 allowance for Starbucks every week. 40! In a month, that’s $160! That right there is a VERY nice dress at Anthro, or a few nice blouses. To me, that’s a much more worth while way to spend my cash.

2. I don’t have TV. Yep, no television in my house. My husband and I sat down and figured out we were paying a hundred dollars a month to watch three shows. Since all three shows ran at different times of the year, that’s one show a month, meaning $25 an episode! So what do we do now? Hulu Plus and Netflix cost us around $20 a month. That’s $80 we can spend on something else (like some fab jeans!).

3.I do brown bag it to work everyday. I have a Chobani Flip ($1), a muffin (around $1) and a soda, along with some nuts, dried fruits, and Luna Bars in my snack stash. That is some serious savings every day, not to mention being way healthier than Mickey D’s!

4. I’m all about customer loyalty and punch cards. Just today, I didn’t have to buy my lunch at Blimpie’s because my punch card was full. I have a 15% coupon from Anthro this month for my birthday. At The Body Shop, I just got $120 worth of products for $20 because of the sale combined with my birthday reward and rewards dollars. At Sephora I got a box of goodies for my birthday plus used bonus points to get a free mascara. And don’t even get me started on Panera Bread. I eat there so often that normally I have some goody waiting for me on my card. The best part- it’s all free!

5. I do ask for a teacher’s discount. Unfortunately, not all places offer this (I’m talking to you Anthropologie!), but many do. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Barnes and Noble, JoAnn’s, Micheal’s, Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, Apple, Dick Blick Art Supply (I am in design school after all), Adobe (as in Photoshop), J Crew, and Banana Republic. These are some of my favorites, but there are more out there. So next time your out and about, ask if teachers get a discount. It can’t hurt to ask!

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-5/feed/0#OOTD Teacher’s Edition: Week 4http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-4/
http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-4/#commentsMon, 09 Sep 2013 03:03:16 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1264It’s been another busy week at The Corner. Having Labor Day off was a much needed little break. Now here’s a peek at my four looks from the short week:

It’s true that I rarely find anything at stores like H&M, and I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing the clothes from stores like Forever 21 (I prefer not looking like my students), but I do think they are a great places to find nice (and cheap!) accessories, like in Tuesday’s look. I am fortunate to have inherited some beautiful jewelry, but for more trendy, unique pieces, you can’t go wrong with the junior’s department.

My most recent discoveries? Simple Addiction and Amazon (I know, right?)! Below are some of my favorite pieces from both. Check them out for yourself; you just can’t beat these prices!

Via Amazon

Via Amazon

Via Simple Addiction (I actually won this look on a giveaway! Super Exciting!)

Via Simple Addiction (I’m drooling over this!)

Via Simple Addiction

Via Simple Addiction

Via Simple Addiction

Accessories are a great and inexpensive way to make more outfits out of the clothes you already have. That’s one way I have decided to extend the wardrobe my wardrobe this school year. With so many options out there, one black dress or one tee can go a long way with the right pieces added on. Plus, they’re just plain fun! Happy accessorizing!

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-4/feed/0#OOTD: Teacher’s Edition Week 3http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-3/
http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-3/#commentsSun, 01 Sep 2013 20:00:29 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1246It’s been another busy week here at The Corner. With school pictures, Back to School Night, new Teachers Pay Teachers products, and unseasonably muggy weather, the Labor Day weekend couldn’t have come quickly enough. Here’s a peak at my looks for the week:

Yes, I understand that my looks are pretty much the same this week. I have a sort of uniform that I know looks good on me- the shift dress. I also have a few great shoes and accessories that go with pretty much everything, hence the same necklace and sandals. It’s a good money saving tip: buy things that work for a large part of your wardrobe, and it’s money well spent.

Yes! I braved the outlet mall yesterday in search of Labor Day deals, but being on a budget, I couldn’t afford to make bad purchases. Here was my game plan:

1. I checked my favorite store’s wish list to see if anything was marked down, which it wasn’t. That’s the thing about holiday sales; the stuff you want is rarely marked down.

2. I mapped out my go-to stores at the mall, and only went there: Off 5th Ave. (Sak’s Outlet), Kenneth Cole, J. Crew, Loft, and Neiman Marcus Last Call. I only went to those shops. Anything else would have been a waste of time.

3. I went in knowing what was lacking in my wardrobe. What I really needed was a white t-shirt from Kenneth Cole. Best case scenario was finding some jeans at Neiman’s or Sak’s. Worst case scenario, I wouldn’t buy anything, and I was okay with that.

4. I wasn’t going to buy anything on impulse or because it was at a huge markdown. Most of the stuff they were trying to pawn off on me was garbage (Shame on you Ann Taylor and your camo pants!). I did see some supper cute navy blue polka-dot pants at J. Crew, but it wasn’t a need and not at a big enough markdown. If I can’t stop thinking about them, I’ll go back later. And I didn’t get the nice Joe’s Jeans at Sak’s because, even though they were really nice (and cheap!), they were bootcut, and with cooler weather on the way, I need skinny jeans to fit in my boots, so they were a no.

So what did I get? I found a $70 navy cardigan at J. Crew for $25. Not amazing, I know, but I knew I needed one to go with several things. I also got my white t-shirt at Kenneth Cole, along with a teal one (BOGO Free). In total I spent $55 on merchandise I will wear that would have cost $130. Not too bad! And I don’t have those ugly camo pants sitting in my wardrobe screaming, “What were you thinking!”

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-3/feed/0My Classroom Library (The Real Fab Corner) Pt. I: The Makeoverhttp://thefabcorner.com/my-classroom-library-the-real-fab-corner-pt-i-the-makeover/
http://thefabcorner.com/my-classroom-library-the-real-fab-corner-pt-i-the-makeover/#commentsSun, 01 Sep 2013 00:33:52 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1232Well, we’re well into another fabulous school year here at The Fab Corner! I’ve transitioned nicely into my new grade level, and am looking forward to working with my new kiddos for the next nine months. And what’s the heart of my classroom once again? As always, it’s my library.Over the summer I decided to give my classroom a complete makeover.

My biggest project: spray painting my book bins and bookcases. I have a huge (and I mean huge) classroom library geared toward fifth and sixth graders, and the bins and cases were all mismatched colors, which was driving me bonkers. Once I had decided to go with the Sunny Skies theme from Schoolgirl Style (see more on my full classroom makeover here), I knew I either needed to buy all new bins (not going to happen) or paint the ones I currently had. So here’s a peak at how the transformation occurred.

Supplies Needed

1. Drop Cloth

2. Gloves

3. Spray Paint in desired colors

I highly recommend Rustoleum. It has primer and is much cheaper than Krylon Fusion. Buy more than you think you’ll need. Find it at The Home Depot.

4. Large, ventilated area

5. Mask

Start with clean bins. Either wipe them down with a wet paper towel or rinse them under the sink. Remove all stickers as much as possible.

Lay out plenty of drop cloth, and while wearing gloves and a mask, spray the bins from around 6″-10″ away. Once one side of your bins are done, let them sit for about an hour and move them to another area (if needed) and let dry overnight. Then flip the bins over, check for any missed spots, and spray the other side. If you have enough paint on hand, the process should only take two days. If you’re like me, and grossly underestimate how much paint it would take, it may take longer. For 20 small bins and 6 large, it took me around six cans of two colors. I also spray painted three bookcases, which took four cans of white paint.

Important: When spray painting plastic, read the label. Make sure the paint you use will work. That’s why I like Rustoleum, but the label does say wait one week for paint to adhere to plastic. You will not be able to use your bins right away, so plan ahead!

The result:

Now all of my bins go with the rest of my room, as do the book bin labels from Schoolgirl Style’s Sunny Skies collection. And instead of white, brown, black and gray bookcases, I just have white, black, and gray, which I can live with.

Stay tuned for more articles on how I organize, manage, and afford such an amazing classroom library!

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/my-classroom-library-the-real-fab-corner-pt-i-the-makeover/feed/0#OOTD: Teacher’s Edition Week 2http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-2/
http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-2/#commentsSun, 25 Aug 2013 15:54:36 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1211This year I’m attempting to wear as many different outfits as possible throughout the school year by using what I already have and mixing and matching as much as possible. (We’ll see if I can make it through the year!) My main challenge this week was the temperature; it was in the triple digits where I work, and with duty schedules and mandatory P.E instruction, I needed to stay cool, so I went with knit dresses for a majority of the week.

Unless I have a particular event to go to, most of the shoes in my closet were purchased either on sale, at an outlet, or from Target, even my boots. Here’s how I do it:

1. Get a wishlist started at your favorite online shops and check back every week for mark downs. See more on how I do this at Anthropologieat#OOTD: Teacher’s Edition Week 1.

2. Check the shoe aisles at Target every time you go; you never know what will be there and $15 is always money well spent if you’ll wear the shoes frequently. My Friday shoes are a wardrobe staple: $15!

3. Pin shoes you like onto a pin board and check back frequently to see if they go on sale. My favorite online shoe shop: Piperlime! I’ve purchased shoes by Marc Jacobs there for next to nothing.

4. Shop the outlets. I am lucky enough to live near the Ontario Mill Outlet Mall, which saves me uber amounts of money. My fave shops for shoes are Kenneth Cole (See Tuesday) and J. Crew. While you’re there, pick up some great t-shirts and tanks.

5. Buy shoes out of season and shop the department store sales. With so many shoes out there, the majority of my shoes were not must have items that I had been eyeing, but rather shoes I saw on sale that I knew would work in my wardrobe (like all of the shoes from this week!). But here’s the warning: don’t just buy a cute pair of shoes because they are on sale. Make sure there are at least three outfits in your wardrobe that they go with. It’s a real waste of money if I have to buy an outfit to go with cute shoes I got on sale that go with nothing.

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-2/feed/0#OOTD: Teacher’s Edition Week 1http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-1/
http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-1/#commentsSun, 18 Aug 2013 02:12:42 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1192The first week back in the classroom is not only super busy, but it’s also the first time back in my teacher gear. When I started teaching I promised myself that I would never wear the traditional teacher outfit, (Turtlenecks and holiday sweatshirts anyone?) I’m making an attempt this year to try to make as many outfits as possible with what I currently own, so this means limited shopping and tons of creativity. Here’s a look at my first week back in the class!

Blouse: Anthropologie, Skirt: Anthropologie (on sale in a larger size and taken to a tailor), Kitten Heels: Nine West, Boot Necklace: Family Heirloom

It’s no lie! I’m a huge Anthropologie fan. Even if Anthro isn’t your thing, it’s not hard being able to fit your favorite pricier shop into a teacher’s budget. After shopping at Anthropologie for seven years, here’s my tips on how it’s done.

1. Get an online wishlist started and check every week for markdowns. (Anthropologie’s are every Tuesday). I have scored some serious clothes through their sales. Sometimes by the the time the deepest cut is made, only larger sizes are available. That’s what my tailor is for.

2. Splurge on the essentials, like a great coat, blazer, trousers, jeans, and basic blouses and dresses. These will be the foundation of your wardrobe and can be built upon with cheaper accessories.

3. Save on simple pieces. I am not going to shell out $40+ for a basic tee, skirt, or even accessories. For these I shop outlets, (Kenneth Cole has the best basic t-shirts), and Target. Simple Addiction’s website has great accessories for next to nothing!

4. I know this sounds simple, but take great care of your clothes, and they’ll last a long time. The Nine West heels from Monday’s outfit are over 10 years old! Most of the blouses, coats, and dresses I own are several seasons old. The only thing I seem to need to replace every year are my jeans. Hey- I’m a Californian! We live in jeans.

5. Treat yourself! Every Christmas and on my birthday I always get a thing or two from Anthro. If you get an Anthro card (It’s a customer loyalty card, and not a credit card) you get a 20% off coupon during your birthday month. That can end up being some super savings, and I always plan for it.

6. Learn to live with less. This is the simplest advice I have to give, but it may be the hardest to hear. The truth is, I don’t shop much, and compared to most women, I probably have a small wardrobe. But the clothes I have last much longer than those from cheaper, trendier shops, and I’m used to it. I don’t regret my purchases and I love everything in my closet. You’ll never hear me say I have nothing to wear.

Looking for more tips on building a great wardrobe? Visit these posts:

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/ootd-teachers-edition-week-1/feed/0Keeping it Positive: Class Dojo and Couponshttp://thefabcorner.com/keeping-it-positive-class-dojo-and-coupons/
http://thefabcorner.com/keeping-it-positive-class-dojo-and-coupons/#commentsFri, 16 Aug 2013 02:05:13 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1180The first week of school is just about over, and most of my students said the thing they are most excited about this year is Class Dojo! I am so excited to try out this behavior management tool for the first time, and even more excited that my students are liking it.

Here is the tracking tool they will be using everyday. It is available at my Teachers Pay Teachers store for free! If students meet the class’ weekly goal for Dojo points, they receive a class coupon!

I have a great classroom coupon pack, also available in myTeachers Pay Teachers store. The best part? Kids love them and the rewards cost little to nothing for the teacher. (Plus they’re super cute and match my class room decor! Check that outhere.)

If you haven’t heard aboutClass Dojo, stop by their website for a great video on how the system works. I have never seen fifth graders this excited about my behavior plan. My favorite part is that it really focuses on the positive. If you have used Class Dojo, how do you use it? I’d love to hear from you!

]]>http://thefabcorner.com/keeping-it-positive-class-dojo-and-coupons/feed/0A New School Year!http://thefabcorner.com/a-new-school-year/
http://thefabcorner.com/a-new-school-year/#commentsSun, 11 Aug 2013 19:30:10 +0000http://thefabcorner.com/?p=1166Wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve posted! Being a full time teacher and part time interior design student doesn’t leave much time for blogging! I’ve been spending the majority of the last month getting ready for a new school year, and a new grade level. Here are some quick pics of my classroom decor and a bit of organization. I can’t say enough how amazing the collections from Schoolgirl Style are; I’m obsessed! Here I’ve used the Sunny Skies collection. I also just love, love love her book! If your haven’t checked out this amazing resource, head on over to Schoolgirl Style!

Don’t forget about your front door if you’re in an indoor school! And I’m so excited to use my new objectives board (more on this in a future post)! I can’t hang anything from my ceilings, so I attached my poms to the walls; they really make a difference in the look of the room.

At the top of my back bulletins, I’m going to hang my students’ self portraits that they paint on the first week of school. And don’t you just love the library book bins? It’s amazing what a little bit of spray paint can do. (Okay, well, it was actually a lot of spray paint! More on this in my next post.) My No Excuses board is for students who turn in all of their work on time for the month. Students’ numbers are taken down if an assignment isn’t turned in, and at the end of the month, the remaining students plan a special treat for themselves.

All teachers know how important it is to have our own space. Mine includes my desk and back counter, where I’ve kept it pretty simple, but still keeping with the theme of my classroom. Oh, and yes, that is a TARDIS! I’m a big Doctor Who geek.

The rest of my class is pretty much the same, but a bit bare at the moment. As soon as I have work up, I’ll have more posts of the decor. A room really isn’t a room until it has my students’ amazing work displayed.

Looking to recreate something like this in your own classroom? Like I said, Schoolgirl Style is where it’s at! GET HER BOOK! As for my resources, those are below. Happy decorating and happy Back to School!

Classroom Theme Editables: Sunny Skies by Schoolgirl Style

Poms: Available at Schoolgirl Style, a variety of Etsy shops, or homemade (mine were baby shower leftovers)